Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Warfare Wednesday: Olympic Edition

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24

We've been watching the Olympic in our house the last few days. It's really been a wonderful time sitting with my kids watching sports we never get to see, and just cheering on whoever we feel like cheering on. Along the way there are the amazing success stories- and we really love hearing about them too. Then there are the moments where you just feel so awful for someone- someone has a bad run or wipes out or doesn't get their jumps in when they should. Even though we all know there can only really be one winner... It's still heartbreaking to see the tears and the discouragement.

But we don't have to be discouraged in Christ! This week as we continue praying for President Obama, I am also thinking of the example put forth by the Olympic athletes in Vancouver. Because no matter how well or poorly they end up doing, the athletes all have something in common- they all bring their very best to the table. They try to do their very best- striving for the prize with every move they make. But more than that, even though they are competing with each other, they still are competing as a team- cheering each other on. They are celebrating each others victories, and supporting those with disappointing results.

Think of the nation who can follow the athletes example and strive for the prize of glorifying God! Think of the success that could come if we as Christians started lifting each other up and working towards the common goal of lifting the name of Jesus on high! The country that keeps God at the head of state is the country that finds favor in the eyes of the Lord. Let us continue to lift up our country and the leaders around us. We will continue to pray for President Obama, but let's also pray for our local leaders- our city government and state governments. Let us pray for the Senators and Representatives who work so hard to make the laws that make sense. Let us pray for the Supreme Court justices who must uphold these laws, and let us pray for the Commander-In-Chief and his cabinet. May his advisers advise him that God is the answer for this struggling country. May he realize that God is what is best for this nation- and may God get the glory for that decision.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

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